To Anonymous at 2:50

Dear Anonymous at 2:50,

Thank you for your interest in my son. Brendan (with an A) is doing as well as can be expected, thank you. One of the things that is keeping me going is that any decisions I make right now are focused on keeping his life as unstressed as possible. He has a very loving and caring extended family on his father's side, and they have rallied around him, as they always do in times of trouble. I have been here for him, and am allowing him to progress at his own pace. His dad spoke with a school counsellor, so they are ready for him to come in if he needs to. My husband's best friend from college is here, and she has been keeping him busy, and my daughters have been here quite a lot, helping me get my home under control.

I am working very hard to be able to stay in this house, so Brendan will have the stability for his last year of high school. I have to find a way to save some money to buy him the things most college-bound students take for granted--a laptop and a set of wheels. Hopefully, his father can help me with that.

His friend around the corner brought us some cupcakes this afternoon, so he is talking to his friends.

You are right, and his emotional state is one of the reasons I am so very angry with my husband. No 17-year-old boy should have to experience this.

Again, thank you for your concern. Next time, though, please take it easy on me. I am going through a very difficult time right now, and your criticism seems undeserved and excessive.